Women entrepreneurs face unique financial challenges. According to 99designs’ 2018“Women in Business” report, the difficulty women entrepreneurs face raising startup capital cascades into a series of problems that make it harder to compete and contribute to women-owned companies generating $68,000 less annual revenue on average than companies headed by men.

Stereotypes about what an entrepreneur looks like play a big role in this credit gap. However, just because you’ll get pushback from people who think you’re not cut out for entrepreneurship doesn’t mean it’s true. If anything, it’s one more reason to pursue your goals and prove to the world — and yourself — that entrepreneurship is for everyone.

Funding Options for Women Entrepreneurs

Unless you’re independently wealthy, you’ll need funding to start and grow a business. Venture capital is an important source of funding for many startups, especially in the tech industry, but it’s also heavily male-dominated (women raise only 2 percent of all venture capital dollars, according to Quartz). Thankfully, VC isn’t the only option.

Traditional term loans, short-term loans, and SBA loans

Small business loans are ideal for major investments into your business. A loan provides a fixed amount of money for a specific purpose, with a set repayment period. Traditional term loans are the standard, while short-term loans offer faster processing and shorter repayment terms when less money is needed. If you struggle to qualify for traditional loans, look into SBA loans. These government-backed loans offer advantageous terms to small business owners.

Business credit cards and business lines of credit

Credit cards and lines of credit are types of revolving credit, which means you can access the funds as needed. As long as you pay it off on schedule, you can continue using revolving credit as a source of working capital. If you need a large amount of credit, choose a business line of credit. If you’re covering smaller, short-term expenses, opt for a business credit card.

Other funding options

Entreprenuers have options beyond traditional funding sources. If you need access to small amounts of working capital or need to buy new equipment for your business, equipment financing and invoice financing are two options to consider. Since these funding options rely on collateral, you don’t need perfect credit to use them. Also, don’t discount the possibility of free money. Crowdfunding is an increasingly viable option for women entrepreneurs and there are a number of small business grants targeting woman-owned businesses.

Managing a Small Business’s Finances

After your business has launched, you need to keep it afloat. Staying on top of finances is a big challenge for entrepreneurs — financial woes are the leading driver of small business failure. Rather than falling into the same trap as many entrepreneurs and trying to do it all yourself, hire an accountant to handle these financial matters.

Keeping records and paying taxes

Accurate records are key to staying on the IRS’s good side. Records also give you the information you need to assess your business’s financial health. The basic records every small business owner must keep are gross receipts, purchases, expenses, and payroll records. In short: If it involves spending or receiving money, record it and keep it on file for three years in case you get audited. (If you’re running a home-based business, like many women entrepreneurs, you’re at an increased risk of getting audited.)

Creating financial statements

Synthesizing records into financial statements allows you to assess finances at a glance. Financial statements also help you overcome the fear of failure that stops you from taking risks. When you have data to illustrate your success, it’s harder to get sidetracked by self-doubt. Financial statements also help you make a strong case when applying for funding. With financial records to back you up, financiers are less likely to pigeonhole you or write you off completely. Every small business owner should maintain a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. You can learn more about these essential documents at SCORE.

There’s a lot that goes into running a small business, from diving into market research to nailing down your branding. But without the right financial resources, your great idea will be a failure to launch. While financial challenges pose a major hurdle for many female entrepreneurs, with this information, they don’t need to hold you back.

]]>https://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2019/02/13/girl-boss-guide-to-small-business-finances/feed/0Encouraging the Girl in Tech in Your Lifehttps://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2019/01/25/encouraging-girls-in-tech/
https://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2019/01/25/encouraging-girls-in-tech/#respondFri, 25 Jan 2019 13:25:19 +0000http://phoenix.girlsintech.org/?p=799Do you have a girl or woman in your life who is passionate about working in tech, but you aren’t sure how to best support her? Here are some helpful...

Do you have a girl or woman in your life who is passionate about working in tech, but you aren’t sure how to best support her? Here are some helpful tips:

Give Her Space to Fail There are bound to be failures when learning new skills or creating something new. It can be hard to face setbacks. First, give her time to grieve and acknowledge the frustration. Afterward, encourage her to learn from the situation and persist toward her goal.

Lend a Listening Ear Working in tech can be a roller coaster of emotion for anyone. Offer to meet up (IRL) just to listen. Taking the time to brainstorm ideas or solutions can encourage her to stay the course. It can also give you new insight into what challenges she may be facing on a daily basis.

Celebrate Other Girls/Women in Tech Making an effort to recognize and honor achievements of other girls and women in tech is empowering! Seeing someone like you succeed can inspire you to dream bigger. Let’s focus on celebrating the success of others and not comparing ourselves to each other.

Encourage Involvement in the Tech Community Look out for mentorship and female-driven networking groups in your community! Girls in Tech is a great resource to find community events that support women and girls interested or involved in tech and entrepreneurship. Events such as our Girls in Tech Startup Breakthroughs Bootcamp sponsored by GoDaddy or our new monthly mentoring meetup are a perfect place to learn about new resources and get connected.

Written by Roxanne Kirk

Roxanne Kirk is a member of the Marketing Committee for Girls in Tech Phoenix. She has experience in the HR/payroll tech space and is passionate about supporting women in STEM fields.

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]]>https://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2019/01/25/encouraging-girls-in-tech/feed/0Q&A with Elorie Widmerhttps://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2019/01/11/elorie-widmer/
https://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2019/01/11/elorie-widmer/#respondFri, 11 Jan 2019 15:09:48 +0000http://phoenix.girlsintech.org/?p=789Up until my freshman year of college, I had always dreamed of becoming an engineer. A computer science and calculus class later, and I discovered that I was much more...

Up until my freshman year of college, I had always dreamed of becoming an engineer. A computer science and calculus class later, and I discovered that I was much more passionate about communicating and marketing technical challenges than actually solving them.

Since then, I’ve been able to use my interest in technology and passion for marketing and turn it into an exciting career in the channel that I love. Today, I’m an experienced and innovative global B2B tech marketer who likes to think BIG and always keeps the customer in mind.

From converged infrastructure to IoT to electronic components, and everywhere in between, I thrive on driving creative and data-driven programs and campaigns that lead to brand preference and accelerate sales around the world. My expertise spans product and brand go-to-market strategy, online/mobile/social advertising, content creation, emerging media and demand generation strategy and execution.

What do you love most about working in the tech world?

Every day is something new. Technology is always changing and advancing, so your role usually is too. There is always an opportunity to learn something and grow.

What do you believe is the biggest hurdle women face in pursuing a career in technology?

Impostor syndrome. As women, I feel like we’re often prone to doubting ourselves and asking if we really have what it takes to excel in a certain position or career. Getting over the hurdle of believing that you are meant to be where you are and deserve that seat at the table is one of the biggest challenges that I see and that I have experienced personally.

If you could change one thing about your education or career path, what would it be?

I wish I would have understood the impact of mentoring and sponsoring earlier on in my career. Today, I have amazing mentors that challenge me and help elevate my career, but having those relationships earlier would have helped with confidence, building a personal brand and just provided an overall support system in my career in tech.

If you could give advice to other girls in tech, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. If you want to explore a new area of technology, attend a conference, or if you want that promotion, ask for it. This is your career after all, and you hold the reigns. Go confidently after what you want.

By participating, you consent to receive recurring SMS text messages from Girls in Tech Phoenix delivered via automated technology. Consent to these terms is not a condition of membership. Msg&data rates may apply. T&C/Privacy Policy

Erika has been CEO of 3 small technology businesses and grew all 3 into multi-million, market-leading & nationally-loved brands. Her latest business (Multi-Channel Medical Device Niche) generated over $90 million in revenue before she successfully sold it in 2014.

Tell us about your first job in tech. Who did you work for, what was your role, and what excited you about the work you did?

Logix in Waltham, MA. LOVED IT! I supported the top two producers in the firm who were also Ivy League and CEOs of technology firms. They were management and retained executive search consultants serving all the major technology companies in and around Boston, MA.

Describe your job in technology today.

Human Dynamics and Communications Specialist. I help plan new launches or invigorate existing assets; re-design articulations in the B2B and B2B2C market experience. I also work similarly with internal staff; I assess assets and train teams how to gleefully collaborate together, and how to better engage external ecosystems.

If there was a point in your childhood when you first became interested in technology, describe that event or experience.

(Some of this is in my book). I was switched to a private school for high achievers for my senior year and gravitated toward the geeks and the technology lab. I had never seen anything like it! Then, while attending Boston University, I lived on Bay State Road. All of the MIT fraternity houses were across the street from me. Guess where I spent all my time! (I didn’t realize how much they loved it and why they chose Bay State Road versus the MIT campus. Win-win:)

Who has been the most influential individual or mentor in your education or career and how did this person help advance your role in technology?

Ray Lane and Safra Catz. CEO and now CEO of Oracle Corporation (also in my book called Purpose, Passion & Profits.

What do you love most about working in the tech world?

Creation of dreams. Love seeing what’s in someone’s head turn into something that causes visual impact and that also moves/works in a way that helps make shit happen on many levels. (like this Q&A!)

What do you believe is the biggest hurdle women face in pursuing a career in technology?

Their own heads/mindsets…deeply rooted beliefs and self-talk that can be retrained….it’s DEEPLY rooted and not easy to displace, but it is worth it and is THRILLING!!

If you could change one thing about your education or career path, what would it be?

I would have gotten my Master’s degree sooner. My instincts were spot on, but now that I am familiar with the sciences behind it, I would have been even better.

I also wish I wouldn’t have let my fear get in the way of my passion to be a Mastermind trainer. I’m seeing how I’m impacting people (especially millennial women) and it’s time for me to see my own inner and profound value…and calling. Ironic!

If you have ever experienced sexism as a female in technology, and you think others could learn from this experience, please describe what happened and how you responded.

No, but me saying that has gotten me in hot water with other women (also in my book). The strong women I have met in tech secretly inspired me, and more deeply than I thought.

Spend time talking out loud with other TypeA/focused/motivated people, reflect on your life story, pick 3 notable things and 3 shit storms that have happened in your life and write a new story that is 100% productive and feeds who you want to be now. Then practice being it without fear or self-doubt. Deliberately live it…or “pretend” you’re ready if that’s what it takes, then surround yourself with the people and resources you need to get it done (with clarity and commitment). This type of pretending is as real as it gets. This is a model of happiness and success I teach. (“Mastermind Culture”)

P.S. Arizona has so many great programs and resources for creation and re-creation in relation to technology paths!

For more information on Erika Feinberg, connect with her on LinkedIn or follower on Twitter @ApexOutcomes.Don’t forget to subscribe to our email updates @ phoenix.girlsintech.orgOr sign up for our text messages by texting Girls in Tech to 27000By participating, you consent to receive recurring SMS text messages from Girls in Tech Phoenix delivered via automated technology. Consent to these terms is not a condition of membership. Msg&data rates may apply. T&C/Privacy Policy

]]>https://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2019/01/04/erika-feinberg/feed/0Q&A with Mercedes Martinez | Axosoft Scholarship Winner!https://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2018/12/17/mercedes-martinez-axosoft-scholarship-winner/
https://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2018/12/17/mercedes-martinez-axosoft-scholarship-winner/#respondMon, 17 Dec 2018 08:00:57 +0000http://phoenix.girlsintech.org/?p=767Mercedes Martinez is one of 3 winners of the Girls in Tech Phoenix Computer Science Scholarship sponsored by Axosoft. Read on to learn about Mercedes’ favorite part of the Girls in Tech...

Read on to learn about Mercedes’ favorite part of the Girls in Tech organization and how she plans to use her skills from the Bottega full stack developer program to get involved with education!

Short bio:

I am a catering assistant with 12+ years of experience in food service and retail. I am currently working on-call as a catering assistant. I have wanted to learn programming skills since I was young. I recently started taking computer classes, earned a CompTIA IT Fundamentals certification and completed a JavaScript basics course. These experiences deepened my desire to get into tech. I was recently accepted into another full stack developer program that ultimately fell through. I decided to apply to this scholarship so I could move forward in my pursuit for a new career in tech as a full stack developer.

How did you hear about the scholarship opportunity?

I first heard about the scholarship opportunity at a Security+ study session with a group called “Arizona Advancing Athenas”. One week later, I was sent a link to the scholarship page by the computer coordinator at Fresh Start Women’s Resource Center and decided to apply after viewing the scholarship FAQs.

Do you have any tips for others completing scholarship applications?

The best advice I have to give for someone completing a scholarship application is to give as much as you can in your responses. I was really nervous about opening myself up in my application. Even though I was nervous, I learned a lot about myself and found the process to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience upon completion of my application.

What part of the Bottega program are you most looking forward to?

I am especially excited to learn the Python programming language and learning how it can be used in different applications.

What do you hope to do in tech after you complete the program?

I hope to be able to use my skills to become a developer and get involved with the education industry. I would especially love to work with educational establishments who help language learners or students with disabilities. I also hope to someday mentor or tutor other women who are transitioning to IT.

What first sparked your interest in tech?

The first time I developed an interest in tech, I was around 10 or 11 years old. My brother taught me how to view page sources, create html files using notepad and to create links between files. We would make pages with a bit of text and a few links that were basically interactive stories. The text would tell you the story, and the links would progress the story based on the choices you made. It was very simple, but I thought it was so exciting that I could make a story with different outcomes. I have since maintained my fascination with how applications are built behind the scenes.

Is there anyone in your life that motivates or inspires you to pursue tech?

My mom is currently working toward her Master’s Degree to help her build her dream career. I always wanted to be a developer since I was young and watching her achieve her dreams inspired me to pursue my own dream of being a developer.

What is your favorite part of the Girls in Tech organization?

My favorite part of the Girl’s In Tech Organization is the overall community. Everyone so far has been so welcoming and helpful and I am looking forward to meeting more of the community at the Girl’s in Tech events.

Thanks to Axosoft, this scholarship is possible! Axosoft launched the #ItWasNeverADress campaign in 2015 to ignite a conversation about women (or the lack thereof) in the tech industry. This scholarship is to help make the tech industry a more diverse and inclusive landscape. What does the #ItWasNeverADress movement mean to you?

The #ItWasNeverADress campaign inspires me to look at the world and myself differently. I have always struggled with seeing my own strengths and accomplishments. When I started looking around at all the women in my life and the amazing things they are accomplishing every day, I started to believe in myself more. It helped me to find my own strengths and feel confident that I could be successful too.

Thank you to all of the scholarship applicants and congrats to the winners! Your support is crucial in our mission to increase female representation in tech! Don’t forget to also check out our Q&A with scholarship winners Ashley Ferguson and Aine Fitzgerald Coleman.

Check out our Q&A to learn more about Aine and how she plans to use her skills from the Bottega full stack developer program to build software for local government and nonprofit programs. Read more about Aine below!

Tell us about yourself in the format of a Tweet!

I am originally from NY & moved to AZ after graduating from college. I am creating a home for myself in Phoenix by participating in activities like soccer & rock climbing; attending local events; & pursuing learning + networking opportunities like those offered by Girls in Tech!

Short Bio:

Currently I am the Communication and Community Outreach Administrator at the Arizona Multihousing Association. Around one year ago, I began studying web development online in my free time after work. I really liked what I was learning and realized that I wanted to continue to study computer science. I began looking for more learning opportunities and found the Girls in Tech Phoenix + Axosoft Computer Science Scholarship!

How did you hear about the scholarship opportunity?

I first learned about the scholarship opportunity on LinkedIn!

Do you have any tips for others completing scholarship applications?

I recommend that anyone interested in applying that experiences moments of doubt or feels that they should not continue on with the application for whatever reason, like fear that they are not qualified enough, should turn their fear into even greater motivation for completing the scholarship app. They should put 110% into writing the application because no matter what, by thinking through and articulating their responses to the questions, they are gaining a deeper understanding of their own interest in pursuing technology and desire to continue learning.

What part of the Bottega program are you most looking forward to?

I am looking forward to learning Python and creating MongoDB databases so that I can organize and manipulate data.

What do you hope to do in tech after you complete the program?

Using my technology skills, I would like design and develop software applications that can be integrated into local government and nonprofit programs and processes to ultimately improve services and create greater impact on the public good.

What first sparked your interest in tech?

My interest in technology and software engineering began in college and grew throughout my first two post-graduate jobs, when I frequently considered the ways in which I could improve my administrative work processes and create the software applications that I imagined by having stronger technology skills.

What is your favorite part of the Girls in Tech organization?

I have two favorite aspects of the Girls in Tech organization: 1) The events for students and kids because I believe that early STEM education can not only encourage students to pursue the field in the future, but can also spark creativity and help them build key problem solving skills. This early education and exposure is especially important for girls and those underrepresented in the current tech world. 2) Opportunities, like the Girls in Tech Phoenix + Axosoft Computer Science Scholarship, for women looking to enter the technology field or build upon their technology skills.

Thanks to Axosoft, this scholarship is possible! Axosoft launched the #ItWasNeverADress campaign in 2015 to ignite a conversation about women (or the lack thereof) in the tech industry. This scholarship is to help make the tech industry a more diverse and inclusive landscape. What does the #ItWasNeverADress movement mean to you?

To me, the #ItWasNeverADress movement aims to shed light on the lack of diversity in the tech industry, redefine society’s perception and understanding of who can be a part of the industry, and encourage and empower women to take risks and realize that they can not only be successful but also thrive and lead in the tech industry.

]]>https://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2018/12/10/aine-fitzgerald-coleman-axosoft-scholarship-winner/feed/0Q&A with Ashley Ferguson | Axosoft Scholarship Winner!https://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2018/12/03/ashley-ferguson-axosoft-scholarship-winner/
https://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2018/12/03/ashley-ferguson-axosoft-scholarship-winner/#respondMon, 03 Dec 2018 08:00:07 +0000http://phoenix.girlsintech.org/?p=736Ashley Ferguson is one of 3 winners of the Girls in Tech Phoenix Computer Science Scholarship sponsored by Axosoft. We recently sat down with her to learn a little more...

We recently sat down with her to learn a little more about her background and what she hopes to do after she completes the Bottega full stack developer program, and she also gave us some tips on completing scholarship applications. Read more about Ashley below!

Tell us about yourself in the format of a Tweet!

I am an Arizona native, an Arizona State University alumna, and recent San Jose State University graduate. I have a strong musical background and play several instruments and have a great classic rock and blues collection. I am an avid reader and love all things tech and Sci-Fi.

Short bio:

I have spent most of my professional career in the non-profit arena but shifted gears a little over a year ago. I am currently working as a software tester and documentation specialist for a publishing software company. I had an interest in learning how to build my own applications, which is why I applied for this scholarship.

How did you hear about the scholarship opportunity?

I follow Girls in Tech on a few social media platforms. I was lucky enough to see the scholarship opportunity just before the deadline!

Do you have any tips for others completing scholarship applications?

I think vulnerability in your answers can be so powerful, particularly for personal essays. When writing about moments of weakness or adversity, it can be challenging and sometimes painful to get the words out. Brainstorm these ideas, organize them, and align it with your overall mission. You might be surprised to see that your weakest moment might have been the very foundation to what made you succeed.

What part of the Bottega program are you most looking forward to?

Aside from learning something new, I am excited to be able to take these new concepts and build something tangible that I can use to get my start as software developer. I am very much looking forward to getting completely immersed in the process that will get me there.

What do you hope to do in tech after you complete the program?

I want to help my community in any way that I can! It is a dream of mine to use my abilities to help develop some sort of language repository or app for my Native tribe to preserve their language. To do so, I hope to keep up this momentum through Bottega and perhaps earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science after I am finished with the program. I also would love to volunteer to teach basic computer skills to the kids of the neighborhood where I grew up.

What first sparked your interest in tech?

I think tech has always been a big part of my life, but I think that the first time I became knowledgeable AND skilled was when I worked for a local electronics store in the electronic components department. The head of my department started pushing me to become a salesperson, but I was reluctant since I really knew nothing about computer components. He was adamant and convinced that once I learned the products and how they worked together that I would be his top salesperson. He provided me with the base knowledge I needed to then do my own research on what was on the market at the time. While I never became a particularly great salesperson, I learned how to build computers from scratch. Ever since then, I became obsessed with all aspects of computers and technology. I am very excited to begin this new venture of learning how to be a programmer.

Is there anyone in your life that motivates or inspires you to pursue tech?

I am fortunate enough to have a great support system! My family has urged me to pursue tech ever since I worked for the electronics store. I used to tinker around with computers at home, and even built a Franken-computer that my mother now uses. Also, I have an amazing circle of friends in the tech industry. One friend of mine pushed me for years to get into a coding bootcamp, and another one got my foot in the door in the software industry doing QA.

What is your favorite part of the Girls in Tech organization?

The best part of the Girls in Tech organization lies within the passion of the people who run it. This incredible group has a pulse on their communities, they identify their needs, and they put together these events, programs, and other opportunities. However, I think the pinnacle of this group is the mentorship opportunities.

Thanks to Axosoft, this scholarship is possible! Axosoft launched the #ItWasNeverADress campaign in 2015 to ignite a conversation about women (or the lack thereof) in the tech industry. This scholarship is to help make the tech industry a more diverse and inclusive landscape. What does the #ItWasNeverADress movement mean to you?

Movements like #ItWasNeverADress mean solidarity to me. There are so many intelligent and driven women who have participated in this movement, they have shared their personal stories of trials and tribulations. Having a space where women (and men who support the movement) can speak openly and freely is an incredible gift. These women feel empowered to be role models, they are entrepreneurs, scientists, and engineers. This empowerment is how we will help bridge gender disparity in the tech industry.

]]>https://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2018/12/03/ashley-ferguson-axosoft-scholarship-winner/feed/0Don’t Get Hung Up When You Start Your Gig Business from Homehttps://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2018/11/30/starting-your-gig-business-from-home/
https://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2018/11/30/starting-your-gig-business-from-home/#respondFri, 30 Nov 2018 22:27:01 +0000http://phoenix.girlsintech.org/?p=741Say goodbye to the 9-to-5 grind as you step out on your own. Working as a freelancer is a smart move in today’s economy, with more and more companies outsourcing...

]]>Say goodbye to the 9-to-5 grind as you step out on your own. Working as a freelancer is a smart move in today’s economy, with more and more companies outsourcing their writing, designing and consulting, often to professionals far away from the local office. That gives you the opportunity to do what you want from home according to your own schedule. Be careful, though, as not everyone finds success when they venture into the world of gigs. These tips will help to see you through.

Create a Work Space
With too many distractions, you won’t get anything done. If you can shut yourself away from the outside world in an entirely separate room of your house, that’s wonderful, but there’s no need to despair if you can’t. Just set up your desk in a quiet corner and hide it behind some dividers or strategically-placed cabinets. Even better if you can leave it exposed to natural light, which will keep you awake and refreshed during the daily grind. Other tips from business magazine Fast Company include adding a touch of greenery for ambiance and being smart about storage to keep your space from feeling cluttered.

Get Equipped
There’s no tech team to call when your computer breaks down. You’re on your own. Though it
may not seem like a good idea to spend money as you’re just branching out, now’s the time toinvest in yourself, as you can’t afford to turn down clients or file work late because of
technological difficulties. What you need depends on your line of business, but a good laptop is a must, as it will keep you in contact with your network and allow you to make some headway on projects no matter where you are.

Set a Schedule
With no boss looking over your shoulder, it’s up to you to maintain some self-discipline and keep busy, even with all the distractions around the home. One writer at Thrive Global makes a solid case for the old-fashioned to-do list, which gives you a great sense of satisfaction in crossing things off as you advance through the workday. However, don’t forget to schedule in downtime so that you don’t get exhausted. That could even include some exercise or walking the dog.

Take Control of Finances
According to the finance website NerdWallet, many freelancers don’t even know how much
they’re making on a monthly business, and that can be dangerous, as it keeps you fromplanning effectively for slower periods during the year. One way to make tracking your revenue easier is to open a separate bank account for your business. Once you’ve done that, you can move onto other important financial tasks, like budgeting and determining how much money you need to put aside each month for taxes.

Make Time for Marketing
This is going to make or break your business, though it’s often hard to devote time to finding
new clients while you’re busy with projects in the pipeline. The key is to write in an hour or two into your daily schedule and devote it to spreading your message. You’ll have to brand yourself as a business through your website, blog and direct marketing efforts. Your own expertise is what’s on sale, and your professionalism is reflected in details such as your logo and photos.

Get Out and Mingle
As wonderful as your home office is, there are times when you’ve got to go into the real world to network, not to mention keep up your social skills. It’s not all about attending business conventions with stuffy suits talking in business jargon. In fact, that’s the wrong way to approach it. Bring a smile, a few conversation starters, and some business cards. You’ll find events to attend online and through social media. If not, start your own group and arrange some face-to-face meetings over coffee or a few drinks.

With a good deal of effort and the right marketing strategy, you should start to see your revenue take off, and all from the comfort of your own home. The crew back at the office will be jealous.

Written by Lucy Reed

Lucy Reed created GigMine to help like-minded entrepreneurs take advantage of the growing sharing economy.

]]>https://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2018/11/30/starting-your-gig-business-from-home/feed/0Q&A with Leslie Dowdy | Staff Design Engineer, Microchip Technologyhttps://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2018/11/16/qa-leslie-dowdy-microchip-technology/
https://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2018/11/16/qa-leslie-dowdy-microchip-technology/#respondFri, 16 Nov 2018 19:30:53 +0000http://phoenix.girlsintech.org/?p=721Leslie got her electrical engineering degree at Georgia Tech, and moved to Phoenix for a job at Motorola. She has since spent 18 years in the field of semiconductors, and...

]]>Leslie got her electrical engineering degree at Georgia Tech, and moved to Phoenix for a job at Motorola. She has since spent 18 years in the field of semiconductors, and now works at Microchip as a design engineering manager and project lead in 32-bit microprocessor design.

Tell us about your first job in tech. Who did you work for, what was your role, and what excited you about the work you did?I started as a layout contractor at IBM in North Carolina. I really enjoyed the people and team spirit. However, I quickly made the jump to the semiconductor companies in Phoenix.

If there was point in your childhood when you first became interested in technology, describe that event or experience.I didn’t particularly become interested in tech until college. I had joined as a civil engineer, but really liked the introduction to electronics course, and knew there would be many more job opportunities.

Who has been the most influential individual or mentor in your education or career and how did this person help advance your role in technology?Many people, especially other women I have connected with and related to along the way.

What do you love most about working in the tech world?I feel like it is always changing, and has some positive impact on society.

What do you believe is the biggest hurdle women face in pursuing a career in technology?Confidence or grit. Sticking it out when you have doubt.

If you could change one thing about your education or career path, what would it be?I may have done my Master’s later, but hard to tell how that would have changed my path.

If you have ever experienced sexism as a female in technology, and you think others could learn from this experience, please describe what happened and how you responded.I have had to have tolerance of commentary at times, but I don’t think sexism has ever changed my job direction/opportunities.

Who in the tech field inspires you and why?Most inspiring – Elon Musk, always is moving forward against the obstacles. But you can learn from everyone.

If you could give advice to other girls in tech, what would it be?Network. It makes a difference in your happiness where you are, and will definitely affect your future.

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]]>https://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2018/11/16/qa-leslie-dowdy-microchip-technology/feed/0Q&A with Michelle Rogers | Division Director, Verticalmovehttps://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2018/10/21/qa-michelle-rogers-verticalmove/
https://phoenix.girlsintech.org/2018/10/21/qa-michelle-rogers-verticalmove/#respondSun, 21 Oct 2018 18:52:59 +0000http://phoenix.girlsintech.org/?p=701Michelle is a proven leader who trains and mentors associates on how to recruit in technology. She has been working in the tech space since 2011, focusing on hiring for...

Michelle is a proven leader who trains and mentors associates on how to recruit in technology. She has been working in the tech space since 2011, focusing on hiring for multiple levels of technology. Currently she is building a team in Phoenix which will be primary recruiting for SaaS based companies focused within the high-tech industry.

Tell us about your first job in tech. Who did you work for, what was your role, and what excited you about the work you did?

I started my career in technology as an entry level recruiter, with no exposure to technology. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Technology is so deep and has so many layers that are constantly changing and evolving. I spent most of my time researching as well as having conversations with other successful people in technology and learned my way around having conversations with a very tough group of people. As a recruiter you are judged instantly by the amount of technology you know and if you are able to have key conversations with talent. This constant learning is what made me passionate about technology as well as some great leaders at Kforce, including Chad Heinrich whom I still speak with today!

Describe your job in technology today.

Today I am focused on keeping up with a highly changing industry as well as training and coaching others. I focus on hiring people with great attitudes and the passion for learning and train them on how to recruiting in the high-tech industry. At Verticalmove, we mostly work with highly educated Software Engineers, Data Scientist, Machine Learning experts, and Executive leadership within the tech space.

If there was point in your childhood when you first became interested in technology, describe that event or experience.

I remember, no I may be dating myself here, having our fist Mac computer at home, green screened and all! From that point further I knew technology was going to change everything!

Who has been the most influential individual or mentor in your education or career and how did this person help advance your role in technology?

I would say Chad Heinrich my previous leader at Kforce. He believed in me and gave me the opportunity to expand into a great leader and really help motivate me to become the leader I am today.

What do you love most about working in the tech world?

I love the constant state of learning and evolution. I love talking to interesting people who have a passion for technology and learning from them.

What do you believe is the biggest hurdle women face in pursuing a career in technology?

I would say specifically within technology staffing it can be a challenge for a woman to be treated equally among clients and talent. Many times women within this industry are only seen as attractive sales people but so many have a deep passion and depth of knowledge in technology and are so much more than sales people. Not only do we have to understand a wide net of technology, we have to be able to learn and speak to it constantly.

If you could change one thing about your education or career path, what would it be?

I wish I would have starting in tech staffing earlier in my career.

If you have ever experienced sexism as a female in technology, and you think others could learn from this experience, please describe what happened and how you responded.

I have been out on many client visits and have been initially judged for not understanding technology which was not the case. As a woman I have had to become more technical, which was in the end, how I earn respect and trust from my partners.

Who in the tech field inspires you and why?

So many people! I try to stay up on the new trends and best resources. I follow some great leaders in technology as well as how to have a balanced life within our tech world. One influential person I follow is Arianna Huffington and her company Thrive, which has a great perspective on how to build success with balance.

If you could give advice to other girls in tech, what would it be?

Never give up! Constantly learn and evolve.

For more information on Michelle Rogers, connect with her on LinkedIn or follow Verticalmove on Twitter @vmove. Don’t forget to subscribe to our email updates @ phoenix.girlsintech.org.